Anaesthesia

During the telephone pre-consultation, the anaesthetist will explain the different anaesthesia options and decide with you which method is best for your child.

In an outpatient setting, only a few children require a preoperative sedative. It is more important for the child to have a close relative nearby for reassurance. If your child does need a sedative, it can be administered as a nasal spray, which takes effect within a few minutes.

Anaesthesia can be induced either with a mask or via an IV cannula. With mask induction, your child inhales an anaesthetic gas (dream air) through a tightly fitting mask and falls asleep within 1-2 minutes. Since the anaesthetic gas has a slightly pungent smell, the mask can be prepared with special scented pens chosen by your child. For older and scent-sensitive children, intravenous induction is usually preferred. To make this painless, the skin can be pre-treated with a special cream (EMLA). The anaesthetist will discuss the best induction method for your child with you.

An experienced anaesthesiologist and an anaesthesia nurse with extensive experience in paediatric care will administer the anaesthesia.

The risk in paediatric anaesthesia mainly depends on the experience of the anaesthesia team. medications routinely used for adult anaesthesia have been successfully used in children for many years, although some do not have specific approval for this age group due to the cost considerations of the manufacturers. The extensive worldwide data shows that these medications can also be used safely in children. However, unknown risks cannot be entirely ruled out.

Recent research on this topic has yielded varied results. However, it is now widely accepted that adhering to all safety standards ensures no harmful effects of anaesthesia on your child.

Adjust the conversation with your child to their age and explain the upcoming procedure. Illustrated children's books on this topic can also be helpful. Explain that there will be a bandage or a "bandage" at the operated site after the surgery, or that their mouth may feel different after dental work. 

Remember to bring your child's favourite stuffed animal or toy, pacifier, or blanket. It is advisable to focus entirely on your child on the day of the surgery. 

Therefore, arranging for a caregiver for siblings is recommended.

Fasting requirements: 

regardless of the planned anaesthesia type for your child, it is crucial to strictly adhere to the following rules: 

• full meal: up to 6 hours before the operation
• small, light breakfast and milk: up to 4 hours before the operation 
• clear liquids: up to 1 hour before the operation

After that, your child must not eat anything else. This rule must be strictly adhered to. Failure to comply with this rule may result in the child vomiting. The vomit could enter the lungs and cause life-threatening lung damage. If your child has not adhered to these fasting limits correctly, you must tell us. In such a case, anaesthesia cannot be administered, and the procedure must be postponed.

If your child regularly takes medication, your anaesthetist will discuss with you whether this medication should also be taken on the day of the operation. 

Take all existing medical documents with you, such as your child's allergy pass and medical reports, unless you have already handed them in beforehand. 

Dress your child in comfortable, practical and not too tight clothing and please take a change of clothes with you. 

We offer the option for a parent to accompany the child into the operating theatre and stay with them until the child falls asleep. As soon as the operation is over, the child is taken to the recovery area where the parent can look after them again.

Often, your child will need some time to metabolize the anaesthesia medications. It is beneficial if your child can sleep during this time. Once your child wakes up, they will be checked again, your questions will be answered, and you can then go home. 

For the car ride home, it is advisable to have an additional person to care for the child while the driver focuses on driving.

Your child should stay at home and be supervised on the day of the surgery to ensure quick assistance in case of pain or discomfort.

For questions about the performed anaesthesia or related problems such as pain, nausea, or vomiting, we are available at 052 320 01 20.

If the surgery allows, your child can drink immediately after waking up. If that goes well, they may start with light meals.